Abstract

The neuromuscular blocking effects of several antibacterial agents were examined in young pigs and lambs using a sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation. Intravenous administration of streptomycin, neomycin or tetracycline produced a decrease in indirectly stimulated contractions of the gastrocnemius muscle; whereas, chloramphenicol, sulphadiazine and penicillin-G had no discernible neuromuscular blocking effects. Present findings confirm the neuromuscular blocking activity of certain antibiotic agents, and indicate the potential for this adverse side effect in food-producing animal species.